Korea dominates - Canadians offer a great show at home

Had it not been for the fact that the Canadian national anthem was heard at the beginning of the competition when the ISU dignitary officially declared the opening of the competition, the Korean national anthem would have been the only one resonating at the Maurice-Richard arena this weekend. 

By Carl Savard

Photos by Tony Chung (@SHORTTRACKHD)

Athletes had a big day ahead of them Sunday as some of them would have to race three waves of 1000m, a 3000m superfinal and a team relay event before saying goodbye to this first edition of the ISU four continents short track championships.

Choi Min Jeong was just too strong

Choi Min Jeong confirmed her historical title of queen of the inaugural four continents championships with her win on 1000m, but Canadians fans were served an amazing show by one of their favorites in the second half of the 1000m final. Courtney Sarault used her power to infiltrate the Korean trio and maintain her position to win the silver medal finishing ahead of Kim Alang (bronze). Choi added another win on 3000m taking two laps on her opponents at the beginning of the endurance event to complete her perfect weekend. Kim Alang finished second while Seo Whi Min finished third to secure the Korean sweep on the distance. Courtney Sarault lost her chance of finishing second overall after failing to count her laps at the end of the 3000m. An error she probably won't make again. After two days of fast paced competition, Seo Whi Min (silver) and Courtney Sarault (bronze) joined Choi Min Jeong on the overall ranking podium. In the relay event, Korea grabbed gold finishing ahead of Canada and China. 

Steven Dubois in the shadow of Hwang Dae Heon

On the men’s side, despite not winning the 3000m, Hwang Dae Heon’s performances on 500m, 1000m and 1500m, winning gold on each distances, were more than enough to assure him the crown as the first ever men’s champion of the four continents. Once again on 1000m, Hwang was followed at the finish line by Canada’s Steven Dubois who played second fiddle to the new champion all weekend long winning silver on the three main distances. Park Ji Won finished third on 1000m and won the 3000m superfinal. Kim Dagyeom and An Kai finished second and third on 3000m. In the relay event, Korea won gold finishing ahead of Canada. The United States goes home with the bronze medal after a penalty was awarded to team China. 

Canadian athletes final rankings

In addition to winning two silver medals in the team relay, the vice-champion title from Steven Dubois and third place overall from Courtney Sarault, here are Canada's results in the final rankings. Alyson Charles finished in 5th place while Camille de Serres-Rainville finished 11th. On the men’s side, Charles Hamelin concluded his weekend in 6th place while young upcoming star William Dandjinou closed the weekend in 12th position. 

For full results click HERE

For the Day 1 recap click HERE

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, follow our Facebook page, our Instagram account and our Twitter account for daily news and results about speed skating.